Bag Making Tips from a Beginner Bag Maker
Do you have a desire to create your own bag but find the idea scary and anxiety inducing? Fear not, you're in good company. When I ventured into making my first bag, I was terrified. However, in 2023, I faced this challenge head-on, and the result was not only fulfilling but also surprisingly enjoyable!
In this blog, I aim to dig into the fears I had before making my first bag and share the invaluable tips and tricks I acquired along the way. For the purposes of this blog, I will be crafting a Patchwork Duffle by Knot and Thread. The pattern for this creation can be found here.
Starting a new creative project, whether you’re learning a new sewing skill, exploring new quilt patterns, or assembling the pieces of Ikea furniture, follow the steps I have outlined below for an optimal skill learning session.
Step 1 - Read the Pattern: Your first encounter with a new pattern may feel like you’re interpreting a foreign language. To navigate this, consider marking or highlighting critical areas, such as seam allowances, to avoid missing important steps.
Step 2 - Gather Supplies: Nothing says “ugh” more than realizing you lack necessary supplies or run out midway through a project. Creating one seamless motion helps maintain momentum and prevent interruptions that may lead to unfinished projects or UFOs.
Step 3 - Get Started, Sloooooowly: Adopt a gradual approach. Understand each step before proceeding. If an item or step is unclear, consider the following:
Re-read the step and conduct more research.
For visual learners (like me), search videos and blogs offering visual assistance.
Reach out to a crafty friend for another set of eyes and clarity.
Contact the designer or manufacturer for assistance or additional guidance.
Depending on the complexity of the stage, gauge if you have the mental bandwidth to progress to the next step within a 24-hour period. During intense learning, allowing just 1 hour each day gives time for information to be absorbed so that you can come back the following day with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
I have put together a list of tips while constructing the Patchwork Duffle that may be useful when making any bag.
Have a Good Tube Turner or Long Safety Pin: Tube turning can be tricky, but with the proper tool such as a tube turner or long safety pin, you’ll find things less of a headache.
Consider Applying Bias Binding Before Attaching to the Body: A valuable tip from Shelly of Matante Quilting suggests applying your bias binding to your panel before you sew your panel to the body. This method helps ease the bulky curves through a presser foot, avoiding having to do the task twice.
Burn/Seal Ends of Nylon Webbing: When working with nylon webbing, ensure the ends are burned or sealed to prevent fraying. Keep matches or a fire starter nearby for convenience.
Clip Instead of Pin: When bag-making, clips are the preferred notion as you will be dealing with different materials and bulk, such as rounded corners.
Stilettos Save Lives (and Bags): The stiletto has proven herself many times over that she is worthy of space in your toolbox, especially when maneuvering around presser foot challenges, particularly when dealing with bulky corners. The tool allows you to get in and apply pressure where your fingers can’t fit.
Consider Hand Stitching Your Binding: If a clean finish is desired, hand stitching the binding provides a satisfying finish. While machine stitching is an option, it involves maneuvering bulky corners under the presser foot.
Use the Proper Presser Foot: Bag-making may use various presser feet for different operations. Familiarize yourself with each foot for a smoother construction process.
Make Presser Feet Do Their Push-Ups While Turning Tight Corners: To work around the bulky curved corners of your bag, make multiple presser foot adjustments. Use the stiletto to hold pieces together while making adjustments.
Don't Forget to Label: Upon completing your bag, make sure to add an identifying label so we know what skilled maker to request a new bag from. <wink>
If you've found these tips and tricks helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts below. Feel free to share with your fellow sewing buddies, especially those interested in bag-making. Let them know that success is well within their reach. Take your time with the process, let the information settle, and don't hesitate to seek out help when needed. Remember, you've got this!
-Alexis
Photography: Alexis of Stitched By Alexis
Model: Kristen of @kristenkords, sporting a handcrafted Granny Square Sweater. Pattern found here with a few modifications to the cuff.